*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*
In the Lesson 3 portion, participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.
In the Lesson 4 portion, participants will learn about various fishing lures and techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.
Pond Management 101, Summer 2026
Save your spot! Registration is required for attendance!
Ever wanted to learn about pond ecosystems or aquatic system management in the Midwest? Well here is a great opportunity to learn from your local MDC Fisheries experts.
Target audience of the presentation is private pond owners, HOA aquatic resource managers, and public service providers. However everyone from the public is welcome to the join, however minors under 18 years of age, must be accompanied by an adult.
Topics will range widely from:
Are you ready to share your love of fishing? Volunteer as a Discover Nature Fishing Educator and help beginning anglers gain the skills and confidence to go fishing on their own. Volunteers teach people of all ages how to conserve aquatic resources, assist with events such as kids free fishing days, fly fishing events, and other advanced angling workshops.
Fishing is a great way to spend a summer day! Join us for a storybook reading, craft, and hands-on activities that will develop motor skills and grow a love of fish and fishing in your little one.
(This class will be indoors and will not include actual fishing. It is designed to prep young kids to be able to fish when they are older. MDC offers fishing lessons starting at age 7 at various locations throughout the year.)
This is a make up for the cancelled bowfishing class and will take place at George Winter Park. NEW PARTICIPANTS ARE WELCOME! In this class we will cover all the basics of Bowfishing so you can have a proper understanding of the sport and techniques involved. You will even get to head out on boats to try for yourselves!
We will give a quick demonstration of what we are looking for species-wise, a shooting tutorial-refresh, safety briefing, and then we will be heading out on the water!
All gear will be provided!
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 3 & 4 Description:
*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*
In the Lesson 3 portion, participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.
In the Lesson 4 portion, participants will learn about various fishing lures and techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.
Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1
This beginning class involves hands-on instruction to teach new anglers basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spin-cast rod and reel, how to recognize and rig basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.
Join us at Camp Hellbender-no newts allowed! This summer camp is designed to let adults feel like a kid again and have some fun in the outdoors, while exploring some of the best conservation areas in the region! At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, we will be channeling that classic summer camp experience with:
Archery – Take aim and learn how to shoot your shot with a classic compound bow. Shoot with a twist in a fun target challenge after mastering your archery skills!
Join us at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area for Camp Hellbender-no newts allowed! This summer camp is designed to let adults feel like a kid again and have some fun in the outdoors, while exploring some of the best conservation areas in the region! At Columbia Bottom we will explore the ever-favorite sunflower fields for some photography opportunities along with bird watching. We will also discuss the importance of bees and other pollinators and the reasons for these large sunflower plantings.
Join us at Tower Grove Park for Camp Hellbender-no newts allowed! This summer camp is designed to let adults feel like a kid again and have some fun in the outdoors while exploring some of the best conservation areas and green spaces the region has to offer. At Tower Grove Park, in the morning we’ll learn about watersheds and the water cycle through a hands-on activity at the stream table. We’ll also go on a short walking tour along the recently daylighted Nee Kee Nee (East Stream) and learn about the ancestral Osage people who inhabited the land prior to European settlement.
